Understanding Colorado’s Stand Your Ground Laws in Self-Defense Claims
August 26, 2025
When you’re pulled over by police, you may feel as if you’re in a vulnerable position – especially if you’ve been drinking.
However, it’s important to keep sight of the fact that you have rights, and the police are supposed to follow certain procedures to ensure those rights are not violated. If they don’t, then the case against you, no matter how strong, can be dismissed.
A prime example is occurring in Colorado Springs right now. A court order out [...]
The long Memorial Day weekend provided lots of opportunities for fun adventures and mishaps. Sadly, it also resulted in a lot more intoxicated drivers on the road — and police patrols to catch them before they could cause any harm.
The Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado State Patrol, and around 80 local law enforcement agencies banded together May 28-June 1, greatly increasing their presence on the road. This targeted focus meant people were far more likely to get arrested for [...]
The Broncos may not have played in the most recent Super Bowl, but that doesn’t mean that people weren’t out celebrating.
As a result, in Colorado over Super Bowl weekend, 175 drivers were arrested for DUIs. That number is down from 229 the previous year but doesn’t make the reality less serious for those who were arrested and charged with suspicion of drunk driving.
Colorado takes DUIs very seriously and the penalties they have for DUI convictions reflect that. Fortunately, [...]
Drunk driving is a problem no matter what time of the year it is, but there always seems to be an uptick around the holidays. Colorado is no exception.
The state barely missed the top-ranking states for drunk driving, slipping through at number 13. Don’t let it fool you, though. Coloradoans have a habit of getting behind the wheel after drinking, with 411 DUI-related arrests happening each year per 100,000 people.
Do you have questions about drunk driving? Here are [...]
Colorado DUI charges are serious business. These charges can lead to severe penalties such as a suspended license, fines and fees, and even jail time. You may even lose your driving privileges altogether.
It’s crucial to understand how DUI laws work in Colorado, including the idea of express consent since it can have a bearing on your case in court.
Here’s what you need to know to make sure you have the information you need to fight a Colorado DUI [...]
Self-defense is one of the most frequently raised arguments in Colorado criminal cases involving assault, homicide, or weapons charges. When a person believes their safety is threatened, the law allows them to use reasonable force to protect themselves. However, the scope of that right depends on the circumstances. While some states have explicit “stand your ground” statutes, Colorado takes a different approach, blending principles of the Castle Doctrine, the state’s “Make My Day” law, and court rulings that have shaped [...]
If a prosecutor has surveillance footage, you might feel your case is hopeless. The reality is, this powerful evidence is not foolproof. The Law Office of Jacob Martinez, a Denver, CO criminal defense attorney, focuses on challenging the reliability of surveillance footage. We investigate technical flaws like poor image quality and legal issues such as a compromised chain of custody or constitutional violations. By exposing these vulnerabilities, we can work to have the footage excluded or cast significant doubt on [...]
The legal process can be confusing and intimidating, with serious consequences for your future, your freedom, and your reputation. Knowing you have a lawyer who understands the local legal system, knows the judges and prosecutors, and is ready to act on your behalf can make a significant difference. If you are in Denver, having a Denver, CO criminal defense lawyer with this local insight is particularly important.
At the Law Office of Jacob Martinez, we are deeply familiar with Denver’s [...]